Renesas X9C303S8

Overview

X9C303S8 from Intersil is a logarithmic digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 100 tap positions, 32kΩ end-to-end resistance ±15%, ±5V terminal voltage rating, and nonvolatile wiper position storage. It functions as a solid-state three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor in audio gain control, sensor calibration, and power supply trimming circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9C303S8 datasheet, X9C303S8 pinout, X9C303S8 application, or X9C303S8 equivalent, key selection criteria include log taper accuracy (±0.115 dB step error), wiper resistance (40 Ω typical), 750 µA max standby current, and SOIC-8 package compatibility with 150-mil footprint.

Technical Context

The X9C303S8 implements a 7-bit up/down counter driving a 100-position decoder across a 99-element logarithmic resistor array. Wiper movement follows make-before-break switching to prevent open-circuit transients during tap transitions.

Control uses a three-wire serial interface (CS, U/D, INC) with negative-edge-triggered INC and direction-selectable U/D. Nonvolatile memory stores wiper position on CS↑/INC↑ and recalls it at power-up, retaining settings for 100 years at +55°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead SOIC (150 mil), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free matte tin termination (MDP0027).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digitally controlled potentiometer applications.

Compared with X9C303S8, AD5243BRMZ10 offers finer resolution and bus compatibility but sacrifices logarithmic response and standalone nonvolatility; MCP41010-I/P provides greater tap density but lacks integrated memory, increasing system-level complexity for persistent settings.

Availability

X9C303S8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio equipment manufacturing, industrial sensor calibration, and programmable power supply design requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for X9C303S8 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Intersil Corporation (now part of Renesas Electronics) designs high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.

The X9C303S8 belongs to Intersil's XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers engineered for replacing mechanical trimmers in precision analog adjustment applications with enhanced reliability and programmability.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the X9C303S8?

The X9C303S8 operates with a supply voltage of 5 V ±10% (4.5 V to 5.5 V). Its VH and VL terminals accept voltages from –5 V to +5 V relative to VSS, enabling bipolar analog signal handling without external level-shifting circuitry. This specification is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Recommended Operating Conditions sections of the FN8223 datasheet.

Does the X9C303S8 retain its wiper position after power loss?

Yes, the X9C303S8 stores the wiper position in nonvolatile memory and automatically recalls it upon power-up. The device retains stored settings for 100 years at +55°C, and the store operation is triggered by raising CS while INC is held HIGH. This behavior is intrinsic to the X9C303S8's architecture and verified in the "Principles of Operation" and "EEPROM SPECS" sections of FN8223 Rev 2.00.

What package type is used for the X9C303S8?

The X9C303S8 uses an 8-lead SOIC package with 150-mil body width (MDP0027 drawing), RoHS-compliant and Pb-free with matte tin termination. This is explicitly stated in the Ordering Information table on page 2 of FN8223 Rev 2.00, where "X9C303S8*" maps to "8 Ld SOIC (150 mil)".

How many wiper positions does the X9C303S8 support?

The X9C303S8 supports exactly 100 wiper tap positions, corresponding to a 7-bit counter decoded into 100 discrete points across its 99-element logarithmic resistor array. This is specified in the device description, Features list, and Pin Descriptions section of FN8223 Rev 2.00, and confirmed by the "100 wiper tap points" bullet and block diagram labeling.

Is the X9C303S8 compatible with 3.3 V logic interfaces?

No, the X9C303S8 is not designed for direct 3.3 V logic interfacing. Its CS, U/D, and INC inputs require VIH ≥ 2 V and VIL ≤ 0.8 V referenced to VSS, but the device operates only at VCC = 5 V ±10%. Driving control signals from a 3.3 V MCU requires level translation to ensure reliable recognition of logic states and avoid violating absolute maximum ratings on input pins.